Contents

Origins

The Vanyar are the highest of the High Elves. According to legend, the clan was founded by Imin, the first Elf to awake in Cuiviénen, his wife Iminyë, and their twelve companions. At this time, they were called the Minyar (Q: "first ones", pron. [ˈmiɲar]). However it was Ingwë, the first Vanya to travel with Oromë to Valinor, who became their king. They were the fist to reach Beleriand after the Great Journey.

Ingwë is called High King of the Elves. He lives on Mount Taniquetil beneath the halls of Manwë. All of the Vanyar journeyed to Valinor before the beginning of the First Age, and remained there. They are said to have the greatest skill in poetry of all the Elves, and Manwë loves them for it.

Another notable Vanya was Indis, the second wife of Finwë and grandmother of Galadriel. It is from her Vanyarin blood that Galadriel gained the golden part of her famous silver-gold hair.

Description

The Vanyar were the first and smallest clan of the Elves. They typically had blonde hair. Few of them were ever seen in Middle-earth, as they only returned for the War of Wrath.

Their smiths were renowned in the crafting of spears. The skill was on par with the sword-smiths of the Noldor and the bowmakers of the Teleri[source?]